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For U.S. visitors planning island visits this year, the entry requirements have changed a bit for Cuba and the Dominican Republic.

Cuba is now requiring inbound travelers to produce proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival, according to the Ministry of Public Health.

The ruling took effect Jan. 1, and the PCR test must be carried out by a certified laboratory in the country of origin. Travelers will still get a health screening as well as a free PCR test at the airport in Cuba and must quarantine in a hotel until receiving results within two days.

The number of confirmed Covid cases are rising in all of Cuba’s provinces, according to Reuters. The island reported a record of 142 cases on Dec. 18, nearly half of which were imported, the report said.

The Ministry of Health said that Cuba’s accumulated cases since last spring totaled 10,894, with 139 Covid-19-related deaths.

The Dominican Republic, meanwhile, has extended its free health coverage plan to visitors arriving on or before March 31.

The plan, originally set to expire on Dec. 31, is provided at no cost to visitors and provides coverage for emergencies in the event of an infection or exposure to Covid-19 while in-country.

Coverage includes medical attention by specialists, medical transfers, and reimbursement for airfare change fees and lodging for prolonged stays.

To be eligible for the health plan, tourists must enter by air and stay in a hotel.

Source: travelweekly.com